Creek Stewardship Guide San Luis Obispo County
65 South Main Street Suite 107 Templeton, CA 93465 805.434.0396 ext. 5 www.US-LTRCD.org Acknowledgements The Creek Stewardship Guide for San Luis Obispo County was adapted Guide for the Russian River.
Text & Technical Review
Photographs Carolyn Berg US-LT RCD
Design, Editing & Layout
Supporting partner:
December 2012 Table of Contents 1 INTRODUCTION 2 3 3 Climate 4 7 8 9 11 13 14 14 15 15 16 16 17 17 18 19 20 20 Site Assessment 20 20 20 21 Maintenance and Monitoring 21 22 23 23 Environmental Agency and Law Background 23 Environmental Law Summaries 24 24 25 29 30 31 32 Contact Sheet 33 34 RESOURCES 34 35 Glossary 36 Commonly Used Acronyms Introduction
in a watershed for their health and longevity.
The purpose of this guide is to give rural and urban landowners a sense of their place in the many watersheds found of creeks. This stewardship guide will educate creek-side residents throughout the County on how to responsibly care for their prop- for habitat enhancement and permitting requirements, and a
View of the Nacimiento River from San Ardo
1 Resource Conservation Districts in San Luis Obispo County
There are over 100 RCDs in California, two of which are located in San SLO COUNTY RCD SERVICES: Luis Obispo County: Upper Salinas-Las Tablas and Coastal San Luis. RCDs - By pursuing diverse funding sources, RCDs typically leverage their con- Small Acreage Livestock Improvements Agricultural Engineering Rangeland Improvement Low Impact Vineyard Layout Design
Service Districts for RCDs in SLO County
2 Watersheds of San Luis Obispo County
hydrologic cycle which begins when water falls to the earth in either liquid or solid form. The water is then The water may enter into springs, creeks, rivers, lakes, groundwater basins or the sea for storage where it can - can interfere with the hydrologic cycle and
The watersheds in San Luis Obispo County have changed from their natural states due cleared for development and to create spa- Rivers, creeks, and tributaries were con- habitats. As a result, steelhead trout and white bass are now listed as threatened spe-
Creeks, however, are resilient. As we learn - Hydrologic Cycle are underway to protect and restore the -
Climate Anyone who has listened to the weather report for San Luis Obispo County knows that it is home to a Mediter- months between November and April. Northwestern areas of the County receive an average of 42 inches of
3 Unique & Diverse Watersheds & Sub-Watersheds of San Luis Obispo County
1. San Carpoforo Creek 10. Las Tablas Creek 19. Toro Creek 28. 2. Arroyo de la Cruz 11. Santa Rosa Creek 20. Graves Creek 29. Arroyo Grande Creek 3. Nacimiento River 12. 21. Morro Creek 30. Huasna Creek 4. San Marcos Creek 13. Upper Salinas River 22. Atascadero Creek 31. Alamo Creek 5. Estrella River 14. Huer Huero Creek 23. Chorro Creek 32. Cuyama Creek 6. Cholame Creek 15. San Juan Creek 24. Santa Margarita Creek 33. 7. 16. Villa Creek 25. Los Osos Creek 34. Oso Flaco Creek 8. 17. Cayucos Creek 26. Irish Hills 35. Nipomo Creek 9. San Simeon Creek 18. Old Creek 27. San Luis Obispo Creek 36. Santa Maria River
NOTE: Watersheds highlighted in BOLD
4 Cholame Creek Cholame Creek is 8.7 miles long and is located in a 237 square mile watershed in the coast ranges of southern Monterey County and northern San Luis Obispo County. Cholame Creek is a tributary of the Estrella River with forest land. The watershed consists of an alluvial valley and surrounding mountains covered with grassland, chaparral, oak woodland, and sagebrush with minor amounts of cropland. The Cholame Creek watershed has
Estrella River The Estrella River is 28.5 miles long and is located in a 1,000 square mile watershed in the ranges of southern Monterey County and eastern San Luis Obispo County. The Estrella River is the largest tributary system of the - ture. The watershed consists of rolling hills and valleys covered with grassland and oak woodlands. Much of the
Huer Huero Creek
Nacimiento River
The lower basins of the Nacimiento watershed are located in San Luis Obispo County and drain directly to the crest of the Santa Lucia Range forms the southwestern boundary of the Nacimiento River watershed, and the San Antonio River watershed divide bounds it on the northeast.
Upper Salinas River - mately 170 miles from San Luis Obispo County, through Monterey County and emptying into Monterey Bay near on the west and south by the Santa Lucia Range. The eastern edge of the watershed is bounded by the Temblor is by far the largest tributary watershed to the Upper Salinas River but the Nacimiento River contributes the
5 Nipomo Creek Nipomo Creek is located in southern San Luis Obispo County. The watershed covers approximately 28.2 square bass, bluegill, and smallmouth bass.
San Luis Obispo Creek San Luis Obispo Creek is located in western San Luis Obispo County. The watershed covers approximately concern along the creeks in this watershed also include the western pond turtle, the California red-legged frog,
Santa Maria River with the course of the river. There are no dams or lakes on the Santa Maria River itself, although Twitchell Reservoir is formed by a dam on the tributary Cuyama River. Twitchell Dam was built by the United States
Nacimiento River
6 Agriculture in San Luis Obispo County Watersheds - stewardship. Residents of San Luis Obispo County have repeatedly shown strong support for preserving local fam- by 15 to 20 percent annually over the last ten years.
land in San Luis Obispo County. As with all agricultural producers, grape growers need to plan and manage vine- wildlife habitat, and changing the
agriculture can be very important in maintaining grasslands, including many native grass and wildflower species, as well as the wildlife they support. It can also create challenges to sustaining healthy creeks and riv- ers. Managing manure, protecting riparian areas from trampling and excessive browsing, controlling soil even maintaining a network of year- round roads to reach livestock are good agricultural stewardship.
7 What You Can Do to Help San Luis Obispo’s Creeks
• Clean water that includes plenty of dissolved oxygen. • • •
Threats to healthy creek habitats:
• Excessive soil erosion decreases water quality, diminishes in the water which reduces oxygen content. • • Excessive removal of woody material decreases cover habitat for • • Impervious surfaces such as roofs and roads lessen the amount of water that soaks into the ground for groundwater - Sediment build up in the Salinas River • - tribute to bank erosion and do not provide adequate shade or wildlife cover. • • drain into waterways are also considered to be pollutants. • • - to farm and ranch owners throughout San Luis Obispo - habitat or shade.
8 Prevent & Control Soil Erosion - or impaired. In watersheds with a large percentage of impervious surfaces, rainfall rushes into waterways in short, heavy bursts of erosion and gullying.
sediment into the waterways. This sediment can be seen in the in riparian corridors and upland areas along banks and dirt roads. prevent soil erosion.
visit:
• the soil in place and allow water to soak into the soil. During protect exposed soils. • - A rill forming at the outlet of a pipe • • - fully placed rock or other type of energy dissipater. • drainage is released onto non-erosive surfaces. • • structures and crops. • .
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• using a lightweight material. If layered too thick, seed will not be able to germinate. • - applied if necessary but is not typically recommended since it tends to promote weed growth and can be • - since they can be harmful to wildlife. • the greater chances for erosion. This work typically requires permits. •
Erosion control blankets installed with willow stakes along a disturbed creekbank -
10 Properly Maintain Unsurfaced Roads and Driveways -
rural road workshops or worked on road this work will require permits. RCDs are and implementing rural road improve- help you implement it. The Erosion Con- and management and its methods are approved by local regulatory agencies.
Remember that a storm-proofed road is observe any changes that require further -
Rills forming along an unmaintained dirt road
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• • • • Use mulch during the rainy season in places where cover crops are sparse. Monitor and augment treat- ments as necessary. • surface. Do not sidecast the bladed material to areas where the material can enter the creek directly or • to the creek. • If unable to eliminate in-board ditches, crowning the road can remove half the road surface drainage from • • Remove creek crossings wherever possible. • • • Maintain culverts regularly during the rainy season to ensure that they are not plugged with debris. • discharge down to the level and gradient of the creek. • culverts by using energy dissipat- containers, and other non-erosive thus reducing its scouring force on soil. Dissipaters can be placed at the outlets of channels, drains, and culverts. Monitor energy dis- sipaters to make sure that they do
Rock rip-rap placed at the outlet of a culvert
12 Restore Native Riparian Vegetation sediment and other pollutants before they enter the water. Roots reinforce the bank and help protect the banks from eroding.
• • • • Recycling and storing nutrients from the soil and surface water.
• • • is large. • •
- , any of the local nurseries listed in the to select them using the botanical name since the common name usually refers to more than one species of plant, many of which can damage the riparian corridor. Addi- wild plants, even if you use the botanical name to select your may be inappropriate in the riparian corridor, be sure to men-
Planting native vegetation on a creekbank along Salinas River trail
13 Remove Exotic Species - by hand, other forms of removal can include mechanical removal, may require a permit. - Once invasive plants are removed, monitoring and mainte- they seem to be successfully removed since seeds may remain or manage these invasive plants, and educate local resi- viable in the soil for several years. Monitor your re-vegetated dents about this issue. sites regularly and remove any invasive seedlings as they are quick to re-establish themselves. Enhance Instream Habitat in our region, woody debris plays an of logs, branches provide shade as well as perches for birds and the insects that feed or clusters of woody material trap sedi- ment and spawning gravels. Unless there
Example of excessive woody material in a creek
14 Avoid Creating Fish Passage Barriers - - barriers, overcrowding increases the - - - swim freely throughout the watershed. Removal of barriers requires permits. contact the California Department of technical assistance.
Conserve Water support life in our creeks, especially during the summer months, refrain from using excessive amounts of water. During the summer months, when water add to the problem. Excessive water use decreases underground flows, which A series of culverts in Morro Creek
The following are ways in which water diversion can be minimized:
• • Use low volume pumps and pump to storage tanks. • •
15 Control Stormwater Runoff problems downstream.
• soak into the ground instead of running directly to storm drains. • - rivers, creeks, ditches, and storm drains. Instead of concrete, use wooden decks, brick or stone paths, gravel, permeable pavement, paving stones, or concrete blocks so that water can permeate through spaces and soak into the ground. • • • County and local City stormwater websites can be found at Flooding after a rain event in Templeton www.stopdirtywater.org.
Maintain Septic Systems Department
16 Responsibly Manage Landscaping and Water Use
Tips for managing landscaping and water use:
• Compost leaves, grass clippings, and other organic waste away from waterways. Although leaves and organic waste are biodegradable, adding them to a waterway depletes oxygen in the water, can add excess • • ditches and storm drains and is also a common cause of bank erosion. • • Do not hose down paved surfaces, like driveways. Use a broom instead and put debris in a trash can. • • or storm drain.
Dispose of Household Waste Responsibly or into storm drains or ditches.
Remember to:
• Old cars and other trash dumped into Authority the creek • must be drained to the storm drain system contact the storm water department of the City you live in or
17 Attract Wildlife The creekbanks and riparian habitats have been home to wildlife long before property lines and backyards were use, animals are being pushed out of the riparian landscape. Riparian landowners have a unique opportunity to
• • woodpeckers, chestnut-backed chickadees, bats, and other small mammals. • • • wildlife, such as bats and owls. • • •
California Red Legged Frog
18 Manage Domestic Livestock - agement of manure and drainage can lessen these pollutants.
• • • • keeping areas. • - • use from horse grooming products, detergents, disinfectants, herbicides, and pesticides. If possible use an • - mals are concentrated and no plant - ing wet weather and will remain slope from a three-sided shelter to
Horses grazing near Foothill 19 Steps for Successful Restoration Projects
Site Assessment prepared by a surveyor, parcel maps can be obtained from County planning agencies or online at - copies of your base maps before drawing on them or walking with them on your property, as they can easily sure you date all of your maps and entries. Sites of special interest or concern on your property can be easily this, establish the area you want to monitor. Label the area being photographed on one of your maps and the
Planning and Design a clear program for improvements.
The following steps may help:
• Make a list of all the improvements you would like to make on your land. • • • - dered on your property before the design process can begin.
Permitting
-
Implementation can provide you with a list of contractors for you to consider.
-
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• • Run ads in local news media. Local newspapers might be willing to run free ads for the event, or ask local • • the event on as well. •
Maintenance and Monitoring - -
• • • •
Technical Assistance and Funding - - many people are involved and how much of the watershed will be restored.
• • •
21 Fundraising steps for a successful fundraising approach.
- ing exercise is complete, gather all ideas and begin to look at ones that could Simple brainstorming exercise: Appoint a valuable to: • • reserved group, have everyone write their • then open up for group brainstorming.
will contact.
Ask for Support
- • • • • willing to give cash.
Remember: if you never ask, the answer will always be no.
Keep Records!
22 Permitting Guide
Remember, if you get stuck or feel overwhelmed, you can always call one of the listed agencies on the contacts page or your local RCD for assistance.
Environmental Agency and Law Background
Acronym United States Army Corp of Engineers USACE NOAA State Acronym
RegulatoryAgencies California Coastal Commission CCC Regional Acronym Local Acronym San Luis Obispo County SLO County
Environmental Law Summaries
USACE protects waters that are:
• streams, wetlands, and coastal waters. • Any navigable waters, or water that promotes interstate or foreign commerce. •
to protect navigable waters of the US.
23 Control Boards.
of 1969 is a broad environmental law that establishes procedures -
Permitting and Compliance Tips to obtaining permits:
• • • • - • from other agencies so ensure you have included the necessary materials. Make sure you keep copies of everything you send to the agencies.
Getting Help from your Local RCD or NRCS Office
• • • • • • • • •
24 #e “Big Four” Permits
California Environmental LAW: REGULATING 1600 Streambed DOCUMENT: Regional REGULATORY Army Corps California Department - AGENCY: of Engineers Control Board
Steps to receive approval for a permit:
• • • - •
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administered by USACE:
-
USACE to consult with other agencies.
26
- -
- -
-
27
-
is deemed complete.
review is required.
28 Overview Flowchart
29 Permit Coordination -
• • • Creek habitat improvement and management including maintaining, improving, or restoring the physical, • • • water quality by reducing sediment, nutrient, organic and inorganic inputs to the creeks, creekbank and bed erosion, and to provide access to another land unit. • • and improve wildlife habitat and visual resources. •
30 Additional Permits general permit process.
Agency Trigger Any work or structures U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Federal endangered species*. The term - sue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, to engage in any such conduct. A Incidental Take permit. - gered species in SLO County refer to: Actions that may affect a listed endangered or threatened species*. - gered species in SLO County refer to:
CA Department of bank, or channel of any stream. State California Coastal Commission - turb less than one acre but are Control Board part of a larger common plan of development that in total disturb one or more acres.
Local - ning & Building Department - ances such as pipes or man-made into waters of the United States. as those to land, groundwater, or
31 Contact Sheet Obispo County:
Address Website 1055 Monterey Street County of San San Luis Obispo, www.slocounty.ca.gov Luis Obispo CA 93408 300 East Branch St. City of Arroyo Grande www.arroyogrande.org Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 6907 El Camino Real City of Atascadero www.atascadero.org Atascadero, CA 93442 154 S. Eighth Street, City of Grover Beach www.grover.org Grover Beach, CA 93433 City of Morro Bay www.morro-bay.ca.us Morro Bay, CA 93442 1000 Spring Street, www.prcity.com www.pismobeach.org City of San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo, www.slocity.org CA 93401 CA Coastal Commission www.coastal.ca.gov 1234 E. Shaw Avenue, Central Coast Regional San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 U.S. Army Corps www.spl.usace.army. of Engineers Los Angeles, CA 90053 U.S. Army Corps 1455 Market Street of Engineers Ventura CA. 93003 Sacramento, CA 95825 Natural Resource 65 S. Main St, Ste 106 Templeton, CA 93465 Upper Salinas-Las 65 S. Main St, Ste 107 Tablas Resource www.us-ltrcd.org Templeton, CA 93465 Coastal San Luis Resource www.coastalrcd.org Morro Bay, CA 93422
32 Project Examples in San Luis Obispo County
-
Re-contouring a creekbank and channel, install- Biological Resources: Steelhead trout and California red-legged frog. - Bank Stabilization
habitat has developed in these infrequently maintained systems.
Biological Resources: California red-legged frog, steelhead trout, Coast range newt, white-tailed kite, Southern
activities protect native wetland species from being -
Biological Resources: species.
Example of site that requires vegetation maintenance
33 Resources
San Luis Obispo County Watershed Directory Road Closures Cal Trans Non-Emergency Crimes www.fawnrescue.org Bird Rescue Center www.birdrescuecenter.org Emergencies 9-1-1 City of Arroyo Grande City of Atascadero City of Grover Beach Illegal Discharge City of Morro Bay City of San Luis Obispo Downed Trees in Creeks Non -Regulatory Agencies Upper Salinas-Las Tablas RCD Coastal San Luis RCD Central Coast Salmon Enhancement The Land Conservancy of SLO Archaeologists Growing Grounds One Cool Earth San Luis Creek Nursery
34 Glossary Banks:
Bed:
Channel:
Coastal Zone:
Discharge:
a regulatory agency
Endangered Species:
Ephemeral Creek:
Habitat: The area or environment where a plant, animal, or ecological community lives
Mean High Water Mark:
Obligate:
Ordinary High Water Mark:
Threatened Species:
Upland:
Watershed:
35 Commonly Used Acronyms
Acronym Meaning ARB Air Resources Board CCA California Coastal Act CCC California Coastal Commission CE EIR Environmental Impact Report MND ND NOAA NRCS RCD TDML Total Daily Maximum Load SAA USACE US Army Corp of Engineers
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